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Signs Of A Faulty Septic System

I thought I had a septic problem when my toilet and sink wasn't draining properly. This suspicion was confirmed when sewer water started backing up in my bathtub. I figured that this was a job for a professional, so I called a local sewer service company. Sure enough, my septic tank was full and this was causing the problem. After having my tank pumped out, my drains run freely and my toilet flushes better than it has in a long time. My name is Wesley Hammond and the experience that I had with my septic system is the reason that I'm writing this blog. Since sewage backup in the house is very unhealthy, everyone should be aware of the signs of a faulty septic system. As you read these articles, you'll learn about the different types of septic system problems and how you can keep them from happening.

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Signs Of A Faulty Septic System

DIY: Air Planter With Landscape Fabric And Milk Crate

by Jacob Reed

If you are familiar with the method of growing plants in pots covered with air holes, you probably already know that they are reported to encourage root development and promote bigger and healthier plants with increased yields. These plant pots are available commercially in a variety of sizes, but can be expensive to buy for your garden. You can make your own faux air pots with landscape supplies, fabric and an old milk crate.

How the Pots Work

Plant pots with many air holes work by promoting air pruning of the roots. This means that the plant's roots grow toward the air hole, but when they reach it, the tip of the root dies off, hence the name air pruning. When this happens, new roots form along the main root and begin to grow toward the air hole where they will be air pruned and continue the cycle of new root development. This creates a fibrous mass of roots able to support large plants. The massive root system is also able to transport more nutrients and moisture to the growing plants.

Making Your Own Pot to Encourage Root Pruning

This planter will not function identical to commercial pots, but it is an inexpensive way to experiment with air pruning and growing plants in pots with ample aeration. The milk crate functions to provide the pot with support making it easy-to-move, and provides a multitude of air vents between the plastic mesh of the crate.

Make a Liner with Landscape Fabric

  1. Measure the inside dimensions of your milk crate.
  2. Add one inch to the dimensions of the bottom of the crate and cut a piece of landscape fabric to this size.
  3. Add one inch to the dimensions of the sides and cut the landscape fabric to this size.
  4. Sew the sides to the four edges of the bottom section, using approximately ½-inch seams.
  5. Sew the side seams allowing a ½-inch seam. You should now have a box (without a top) that measures the inside dimensions of the milk crate.
  6. Position the landscape fabric inside the crate and fold the top edge over the rim of the crate. Your liner should fit snugly inside the crate.

Adding Soil and Planting

The type of soil you use in the container depends on the type of plants you are growing. Use a soil recipe for your specific needs or create an all-purpose blend for all your plants. To make a good all-purpose soil for containers, mix equal parts potting soil, peat moss and finished compost. This makes a lightweight mixture suitable for planters. Garden soil or potting soil alone is too heavy for containers and compacts easily with repeated watering.

  1. Fill the container approximately one half to three fourth of the way with potting mixture, depending on the size of the seedlings you intend to plant. If you are planting seeds in the container, fill it to within 2 inches of the rim.
  2. Position your seedlings in the soil and fill in around the roots with fresh soil. Firm the soil down with your hands to secure the plants and to remove air pockets in the soil.
  3. Water your newly planted seedlings thoroughly to moisten the soil to the root level.

Monitor the soil closely for drying until you become accustomed to your plant's watering needs. These pots will require more frequent watering than plants grown in the soil. During hot, dry periods they may require daily watering. They may also require more frequent fertilizing as nutrients easily leach through the soil when you water your plants. Typically plants grown in containers require fertilizer every 10 to 14 days. Use a water-soluble formula designed for the type of plants you are growing.

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